INTRODUCTION

Blood genotype refers to the type of haemoglobin in the red blood cells. It is one of the most important factors to consider youth before engaging in a relationship or marriage. So before you say I do, do you know your blood genotype and that of your spouse? Are you compatible? These are a few questions every young person must answer before getting themselves into a relationship or marriage to avoid unforeseen circumstances. 

The common blood genotype in humans are:

• AA
• AS
• AC
• SC
• CC
• SS

To break it down further.

AA: is a healthy genotype and does not possess the haemoglobin c.

AS traits are normal and do not show signs of a disease, However, they are careers and are capable of transferring the sickle cell trait to their offspring.

AC:  This is a substitute for a protein in the gene of the RBC. AC traits are standard and do not show signs of any disease.

SC:  This causes recurrent anaemia. It is called the sickle cell haemoglobin C, 

CC: This is referred to as homozygous globin C disease. This disease might produce moderate anaemia, jaundice, enlarged spleen and gallstones, while some people might not present with any disease.

SS:  This is sickle cell haemoglobin C and everyone with it will suffer from severe anaemia, and everything that comes with it, and at a very severe stage of death.

It should be noted that not many people with this disease cross the age of 20.

     GENOTYPE COMPATIBILITY

Two people are said to have compatible genotypes when there is no possibility of them giving birth to a child with sickle cell disease.

Genotype AA is the universally compatible genotype; that is, regardless of who they partner up with there is no possibility of them birthing a child with sickle cell disease.

Here are the compatible and incompatible genotypes.

COMPATIBLE GENOTYPE.

AA + AA

AA + AS

AA + SS

AA + AC

INCOMPATIBLE GENOTYPE.

AS + AS

AS + AC 

AS + SS

AS + SC

SS + SS

AC + SS

SC + SS

CONCLUSION

Blood genotype is the parameter which shows the type of haemoglobin present in the blood cells of an individual which will further determine if the person is healthy, a carrier or a sickle cell patient. Sickle cell trait can be determined in the laboratory by the use of an exam called electrophoresis. Knowledge of your blood genotype will help you make decisions regarding picking a spouse hence, help the family to bring forth healthy children and alleviate the suffering and poverty resulting from frequent Illnesses and hospitalizations.